HOW TO SMOOTH A WALL AFTER REMOVING WALLPAPER?

Using wallpaper is one of the most used interior design resources. Despite being designed to last a long time, the truth is that on certain occasions it is necessary to remove it. It may be that a change of decoration has been thought of to adapt them to current trends or due to other circumstances such as the transformation of a children's room into a youth room.

When it comes to removing wallpaper, the norm is to want to restore the wall to its original condition. The surface must be perfectly smooth to provide a flawless appearance. This will be necessary whether you choose to paint the room or if you want to put up new wallpaper.

In any case, it will be necessary to smooth the wall so that it is uniform and with a quality finish. The idea is to achieve a true reset of the surface so that no signal and look brand new. We are going to give you all the keys to achieve it.

It is important to check the condition of the wall after removing the wallpaper

Right after removing the wallpaper you can encounter several scenarios. The first is that the paper you had installed was designed to be easily peeled off, so much of the work will already be done. Another possibility is that there are remains of both the wallpaper and the glue you used to stick it.

In these cases, the first thing to do is remove everything to leave the wall free of all types of materials. The most homemade option is to use a sponge with warm water and soap. It should be rubbed gently to avoid damaging the wall. This will soften the glue and the paper, making it easier to remove.

You can also find specific products on the market for this task. With the help of a spatula and being very careful, you can remove all those remains without problems. It is the first step to smooth the surface after removing the wallpaper.

Surely a lot of dust was generated during removal so it is advisable to clean the wall well. A damp cloth will be enough to trap the particles and prevent them from spreading throughout the room. It is very important that you make sure that it dries well afterwards to prevent moisture from settling in. 

Good sanding is key to smoothing a wall

Now that you have your wall ready after removing the wallpaper, you can start smoothing. The first thing to do is check carefully to check if there are any fissures or small cracks. It's time to use putty designed to serve that purpose. It usually dries quickly and is very easy to apply.

The next step to smooth your wall after removing the wallpaper is sanding. This way you will achieve the visual uniformity you are looking for. That moment is the most important and you should pay special attention. In the market you can find sanding machines that will help you carry out this task, but in this article we are going to teach you how to do it yourself.

The first and most important thing to smooth your wall is to get sandpaper with the right grain. You should know that the lower the number, the larger the size and therefore you will achieve less polished finishes. 

Taking these aspects into account, you should have different types of sandpaper on hand. The first job should be done with the coarsest grain to eliminate the largest imperfections. You can start with a size 100 for this type of work. Next, you can move on to a mid-range one like the 180 to finish with a finer 220.

That is, you must go from less to more to achieve a professional finish. Smoothing a wall after removing the wallpaper is a fairly painstaking job that can take time. you have passed. The work is easier if the sandpaper is sponge.

They also generate a lot of dust, so it is advisable to protect yourself with a mask and cover the furniture around you. Once you have reached the result you wanted, it is time to take the last step.

At the end you have to apply a layer of primer to leave your wall completely ready for the application of the new wallpaper and so that the glue has sufficient adhesion to the surface. After applying this product, your wall will be ready to be painted or place another new wallpaper.